Lee Westwood played what Keegan Bradley said was “the best shot I’ve ever
seen” as he recorded a 68 to move deep into contention at the Honda Classic
at Palm Beach Gardens on Friday.

On six-under the Englishman was two behind the early pacesetter, America’s Michael’s Thompson. While his two-under second round was not as controlled as his opening 66, it did feature some impressive up-and-downs. None was any more spectacular than the par save on the 16th.

Westwood’s ball was actually on the edge of the water to the right of the par-four green and caused a huge splash as he swung his wedge. With the pin a few yards over the bunker between the lake and the green, Westwood was starting at a double bogey. But his ball popped up and somehow finished within five feet.

“It was my best ever up-and-down, I think – but Keegan reckons it was actually the best shot he’s ever seen,” Westwood said. “I was pleased with my short-game today. It saved me a few times today and yesterday.”

The evidence is written all over Westwood’s scorecards. He has made one bogey in 36 holes, which is a fine effort on a layout as demanding as the PGA National. The blemish came on the par-three 15th, the start of the run of holes known as the Bear Trap, where Westwood missed the green to the left.

That was not about to ruin his mood, however. Westwood is clearly enjoying the unprecedented experience of playing a professional tournament while staying at home. The 39-year-old and his family moved into a new house on Monday only a mile from the course.

“It’s nice not living out of a suitcase; it’s nice to home and have dinner with the wife and kids and sleep in your own bed,” Westwood said. “I’m feeling very relaxed and enjoying it.”

Westwood finished fourth behind McIlroy last year, courtesy of a final-round 63, and is confident of going three better. He was joined on the leaderboard by his Ryder Cup team-mate Graeme McDowell. The Northern Irishman shot his own 68 to move to five under.

At the other end of the scoreboard it made painful reading. Not only had Rory McIlroy, the world No 1, withdrawn in mid-round at seven-over but two other swoosh representatives in David Duval and Paul Casey were among the backmarkers. Duval, the 2001 Open Champion, went home on eight over while Paul Casey was left stranded on 15 over.